A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights a possible link between sensory impairments, specifically hearing and vision loss, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attacks. Conducted by researchers at Jiangnan University’s Wuxi School of Medicine, the study analyzed data from over 11,000 Chinese adults aged 45 and older and found that individuals with both hearing and vision impairments, termed “dual sensory impairment,” faced the highest risk of cardiovascular issues.
This research sheds light on how sensory health may play a critical role in cardiovascular well-being, particularly as populations continue to age globally.
Background
Sensory impairments, including hearing and vision loss, are common among middle-aged and older adults, and their prevalence is expected to rise with aging populations worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as heart attacks and strokes, remain leading causes of death globally, and understanding preventable risk factors is crucial for reducing these numbers.
While previous studies have explored the connection between hearing and vision impairments and overall health, this study uniquely focuses on their association with cardiovascular disease risk.
“With the continuous aging of the population, the incidence and prevalence of hearing loss and impaired vision are increasing.”
–Dr. Xiaowei Zheng, senior study author
Research Methodology
The study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) involving 11,332 participants who reported their sensory health and cardiovascular status over seven years. Researchers divided participants into four groups based on their sensory health:
- Those with no impairments
- Those with only vision impairment
- Those with only hearing impairment
- Those with both impairments.
The findings revealed that individuals with vision impairments had a 24% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, while those with hearing impairments had a 20% higher risk. For individuals with dual sensory impairments, the risk increased by 35%.
Notably, during the seven-year follow-up, 2,156 participants reported cardiovascular incidents, which included strokes, heart attacks, and severe arrhythmias.
Implications
This research has important implications for preventive healthcare. With sensory impairments potentially affecting physical activity and social engagement, they may contribute to risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study authors suggest that early detection and treatment of hearing and vision impairments—such as through the use of glasses or hearing aids—could be integrated into cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. However, as Dr. Rebecca Boxer of UC Davis Health cautions, this study shows only an association, not causation, underscoring the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Dr. Zheng and her team plan to explore whether interventions for sensory impairments, such as the use of hearing aids or corrective lenses, may help mitigate cardiovascular risks in aging populations.
This study adds to the growing body of research that encourages a holistic approach to health, highlighting how sensory health is not just about hearing and vision but also plays a significant role in broader health outcomes.
Citation:
He, J., Tang, X., Jiang, M., Zheng, X. (2024). Associations Between Vision and Hearing Impairment and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Longitudinal Cohort of Middle‐Aged and Older Adults in China. Journal of the American Heart Association. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.034851
